Opening-day success delights Robbo

7 August 2016

mkdons.com

MK Dons got their 2016/17 season off to a winning start on Saturday, much to the delight of boss Karl Robinson.

The men from MK1 hadn’t won a game since March heading into the Sky Bet League One opener against Shrewsbury Town, but they ended that streak with a thoroughly-professional 1-0 triumph at Greenhous Meadow.

“It’s important to start with a win,” Robinson told MK Dons PlayerHD. “You always go into a season wanting your first clean sheet, first goal and first victory, and all three came this afternoon.

“It was so nice to see a ball go in the back of the net and it’s so nice to get a win - it was well deserved I think.

“It’s good for the travelling fans to get that victory - it’s our first victory since March and hopefully we can go on from here.”

He continued: “I love winning and I love winning at this Football Club - it's what drives me on.”

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“We’ve won here without our injured players and without, potentially, three new signings, hopefully. So we’ve won here without seven players still to come into this squad - once that happens we’ll have a really strong group.”

“I thought Samir was outstanding at the start of the game - he was a big loss to us. It was good to see Brandon getting on - there were eight academy graduates that took to the pitch today and that’s a tremendous testament to the Football Club.

“The work ethic and pressing (was key) from the team and how Pottsy and Ed Upson moved that ball around in midfield was elegant - they are two experienced midfield players and they did wonderfully well in there.

The 35-year-old said: “Powelly has looked outstanding all summer and when he’s on it like that he’s unplayable. He’s got that (goal) in him because he hits the ball so hard.

Daniel Powell grabbed the winning goal for the Dons in the 73rd minute of Saturday’s contest in Shropshire - boss Robinson was delighted with his winger, as well as a number of his players who also impressed.

Robinson's Dons

He added: “I want to say thanks to (the supporters) because they showed me and my players over the summer - a tremendous amount of desire.”

“I think when we win, we should give one of those travelling fans a shirt - I think that's important. I thought it was nice touch and seeing the young kids face getting Samir’s shirt was great.”

At the final whistle, Robinson made his way over to the 601 strong travelling support and handed one young fan Samir Carruthers’ match shirt and the Liverpudlian wants to continue the gesture for the remainder of the season.
will look to build on their opening-day success when they host Millwall at Stadium MK - tickets for next Saturday's clash are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s, £17 under-21s (members only) and £7 under-18s.

To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.